The possession of strong nuclear weapons is "the only way" to ultimately put North Korea-U.S. relations in order and "absolute collateral" for peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, the paper said.

"He's acting very very badly", the president said of Kim Jong Un, according to a White House pool report.

Trump made the comments to reporters while departing his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, US, where he spent the weekend.

The reported test came one day after U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned that the U.S.is contemplating a pre-emptive military attack on North Korea and as he was traveling to Beijing.

It took place at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground, in North Pyongan Province, it said.

Earlier this month, North Korea fired off four ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan, reportedly reaching within 120 miles of Japan's shoreline.

The paper also claimed that the firing of a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), called Pukguksong-2, on February 12 and four ballistic missiles on March 6 were steps to fight "constant USA invasion intimidations". North Korean officials said they will launch more Earth observation satellites and are building a space program that would include a moon launch in the next 10 years.

China has also been infuriated by the deployment of an advanced US anti-missile system in South Korea, which it says will both harm China's own security and do nothing to ease tensions.

In Seoul, Tillerson also warned that U.S. military action against Pyongyang was possible - a sharp divergence from China's insistence on a diplomatic approach to its neighbour, which it has long protected.

RECCOMENDED STORIES

Men's hockey captures first Big Ten championship
Matt Ustaski's goal for the Badgers (20-15-1) with 8:15 left in regulation forced the extended session. He was part of a duel between freshman goaltenders, with Berry equally impressive with 33 saves.

Israel warns Syria after exchange of fire
Shells, mostly believed to be stray from the fighting in Syria, have also landed in the Israel-occupied Syrian Golan Heights. It was the most serious episode between Syria and Israel since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war six years ago.

KU reaches Sweet 16
Graham returned the favor by tossing an alley-oop lob that Mykhailiuk threw down to finish a fast break and cap Kansas' 13-2 run. Izzo thought that would play a factor Sunday and was impressed when the Jayhawks didn't have any missteps in the final minutes.

Charter school legislation progressing in Jefferson City
Regardless, the local school board would have oversight of the charter school's funding and implementation of its approved plans. Richards said that charter schools would be money-making ventures governed by what he described as "for-profit" companies.

Trump drags key allies into wiretap controversy
She said that while she represents German interests, Mr Trump "stands up for, as is right, American interests. Only the USA and four other members now reach the benchmark of spending 2 percent of GDP on defense.

James Corden performs "Beauty and the Beast" in a crosswalk
Condon says as the filming process continued, there were moments he was anxious they weren't going to get there and finish. It is insane to me that this movie is coming to life and I know that seeing it will transport me back to my childhood.

Giraffe watch: April's baby repositioning
Keepers said they think her behavior early Thursday indicated the baby was moving into a position for birth. At birth it will weigh in at about 150 pounds and will stand at about 6' tall, Animal Adventure Park said.

Australia-India tensions rising in Ranchi
Saha's unbeaten 99 was well adorned by a six and seven boundaries and was halted at a notable strike rate of 46.47 at Tea. Pujara was an epitome of concentration as he brought up his 150 in typical fashion, stealing a run of a defensive jab.

Ranchi will test the mettle of Australia's batting
Pujara brought up his 150 with a single off Nathan Lyon while Saha reached his 50 with a single off Steve O' Keefe. Jadeja came in at number nine and played a useful cameo, putting on 54 for the ninth wicket with Umesh Yadav (16).

Vodafone's Indian unit and Idea Cellular announce merger
Until date, Airtel was recognized as the largest telecom operator in India which will now be pushed to the second spot. Marginal players such as Reliance Communications, Aircel and Telenor are already looking at probable consolidation.

President vows to sustain drive vs drugs, corruption
Lacson said the Vice President did not bother to mention that there were police personnel killed and injured in the same drug war. "VP Robredo debased her office and herself by betraying the trust of our people".

Sniper Elite 4 gets a new mini-campaign next week
This is a new mini-campaign, which arrives on Tuesday 21 March, and includes Deathstorm Part 1: Inception . The free multiplayer mode is Elimination , a two-team setup accommodating as many as 12 players.